GB2439091A

GB2439091A - Seal for leaking conduit

Info

Publication number: GB2439091A
Application number: GB0611870A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hunter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-15
Filing date: 2006-06-15
Publication date: 2007-12-19
Also published as: GB0611870D0

Abstract

A seal 10 for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit comprises a flexible member 12 adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit such that end regions of the flexible member are overlapped, and a sealing arrangement 22,24 mounted on the flexible member and adapted to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit. Securing means, which may comprise hook and loop fastening tabs 14,16, are mounted on and fixed to the overlapping end regions of the flexible member and are adapted to secure the end regions together. The sealing arrangement 22,24 preferably comprises a pair of inflatable sealing members.

Description

1 2439091

SEAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seal, and in particular to a seal for sealing and controlling a fluid leaking from a conduit such as a pipe.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Leakage from pipes, valves, and other fluid conduits can cause significant problems both in domestic and industrial environments. For example, in domestic environments leakage from water pipes, which may be caused by freezing and thawing conditions, can cause damage to property and belongings, and generally * : requires the water supply to be turned off to carry out the necessary repairs. In S...

I * **s industrial environments it is often the case that conduits carry hazardous or volatile fluids which can cause a considerable health risk if leaked, and may require 15 significant downtime to carry out the necessary clean-up procedures and make the necessary repairs. However, shutting down the industrial process may be very costly IS.SSS. . . * * and as such undesirable. For example, in an oil and gas production environment, such as on an oil rig, leakage of hydrocarbons from topside conduits and valve arrangements may require production to be terminated to effect the necessary repairs, at a cost to the operator which may be in excess of $100,000 per day in lost production. Additionally, in offshore platforms a large portion of the rig floor is formed by metal grids which are open to the sea below. Accordingly, leakage of hydrocarbons from the rig should be dealt with promptly to minimise leakage of hydrocarbons into the sea.

Various methods have been proposed which permit burst pipes, such as water pipes, to be repaired without turning the water supply off. Such proposed methods are outlined in UK patent application publication nos. GB 2416015 and GB 2302154.

However, such proposed methods are generally restricted for use on straight pipe sections and cannot accommodate for bends in the pipe, pipe connections, fluid control devices such as valves, and the like. Furthermore, such methods require a collar, which may be solid or inflatable, to be positioned over the pipe and then secured in place via separate clamping means. Additionally, such prior art methods will inevitably expose a user to the leaking fluids while the repair is being made. This may be undesirable and indeed impossible where the leaking fluid is hazardous.

Thus, such prior art methods are generally restricted to repairing straight pipes which carry water. * *..

* * .. It is among the objects of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate some of the above noted and other problems in the prior art. S.,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION *.S

* . According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a seal for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit, said seal comprising: a flexible member adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit such that end regions of the flexible member are overlapped; a sealing arrangement mounted on the flexible member and adapted to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit; and securing means mounted on and fixed to the overlapping end regions of the flexible member and adapted to secure said end regions together.

Advantageously, in use, the flexible member may be positioned over and wrapped around a conduit in the region of a leak, with overlapping ends of the flexible member being secured together by the securing means to retain the flexible member in place. Providing the securing means on the flexible member permits the flexible member to be rapidly deployed and fixed in position, without requiring additionally securing means such as a bolting or clamping arrangement or the like.

Preferably, the flexible member comprises a sheet-form member.

Advantageously, the flexible member is adapted to provide a barrier between the fluid conduit and a user applying the seal, such that the user is protected from exposure to the leaked fluid.

The flexible member may comprise an elastomeric material, such as a natural or synthetic rubber, and may comprise nitrile rubber or the like. Alternatively, or e...

additionally, the flexible member may comprise a composite material or the like.

Preferably, the flexible member comprises a chemically resistant material, that is, a * 15 material which is preferably resistant to degradation and breakdown upon contact with a chemical, such as a chemical leaking from the fluid conduit upon which the flexible member is mounted.

Preferably, the flexible member is adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit which may comprise, for example, a pipe, pipe connection such as a flange, a valve, throttle, flowmeter or the like. Accordingly, the flexible member may be adapted to be positioned over any fluid conduit or component associated with said fluid conduit, with the flexible member adopting the required shape.

The securing means preferably comprises contact securing means adapted to secure the end regions of the flexible member together upon contact. The securing means may comprise hook-and-loop tape, adhesive bonding such as a tar, resin or the like, snap fit connectors, magnetic connectors or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

Preferably, the sealing arrangement comprises at least one sealing member.

Advantageously, the sealing member is adapted to be activated to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit. The sealing member may be adapted to be activated in response to a stimulant, such as heat, pressure, or a chemical stimulant. For example, the sealing member may be adapted to be activated upon contact within a fluid, such as leaked fluid from the fluid conduit. The sealing member may comprise a swelling elastomer or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the sealing member may be adapted to be activated by being inflated. In this embodiment the sealing member advantageously comprises an inflatable member adapted to be inflated with a fluid, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid. The SS* * ** inflatable member advantageously adopts the shape of the conduit around which the flexible member is positioned. The inflating fluid may be provided from an external source. The inflatable member may comprise valve means adapted to be coupled to a source of inflating fluid. The valve means may comprise a valve, more preferably a

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* *ISS * one way valve. The valve may comprise pressure release means adapted to permit release of fluid from within the inflatable member when a pre-determined fluid pressure is reached. Alternatively, or additionally, the inflatable member may be inflated with a fluid originating from within said inflatable member. For example, the fluid may comprise a gas generated by a chemical reaction initiated within the

inflatable member.

Preferably, the sealing arrangement comprises a sealing surface adapted to engage and seal against the conduit around which the flexible member is located. The sealing surface is advantageously provided on the sealing member and may comprise a compressible material, such as an elastomer or the like. This arrangement advantageously permits the sealing member to conform to the surface of the conduit, which may be irregular, thus providing an improved seal. The sealing surface may comprise a neoprene foam, for example.

Preferably, the sealing arrangement comprises two sealing members adapted to be positioned on either side of the region of a leak from the fluid conduit around which the flexible member is positioned. Accordingly, leaked fluid may be contained between the sealing members and the flexible member.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seal is adapted to define a fluid chamber around the fluid conduit, wherein the fluid chamber is adapted to receive fluid leaked from the conduit. The fluid chamber may be defined between : the fluid conduit, flexible member and the sealing members of the sealing S..

*... arrangement, wherein said fluid chamber is adapted to receive fluid leaked from the * conduit. Thus, in use, the flexible member of the seal may be positioned around a 15 leaking conduit such that leaked fluid may be retained within the fluid chamber and is * ** not sprayed or scattered uncontrollably.

* Advantageously, the fluid chamber may comprise at least one drain adapted to permit a controlled release of the leaked fluid. This arrangement beneficially prevents a significant accumulation of fluid pressure within the chamber, which reduces the sealing requirements of the seal. In one embodiment of the present invention the at least one drain is provided through the flexible member. Advantageously, by permitting controlled release of the leaked fluid via the at least one drain, the leak from the conduit may be safely contained until a convenient occasion arises to carry out appropriate repairs to the conduit.

In one embodiment the seal is adapted to be manually applied by a user to a conduit. Alternatively, the seal is preferably adapted to be applied by an applicator.

Preferably, the applicator comprises a plurality of arms adapted to be secured to the flexible member of the seal during application. Advantageously, the applicator is adapted to be held by a user, the arrangement being such that the flexible member of the seal provides a barrier between the conduit to which the seal is being applied and the user. In one embodiment the flexible member is substantially square or rectangular in shape and the applicator comprises four arms adapted to be secured to a respective corner of the flexible member.

Preferably, the arms of the applicator are articulated and are adapted to be reconfigured between an extended position and a retracted or folded position.

Advantageously, the flexible member of the seal is adapted to be secured to the applicator with the arms in the extended position and the applicator and seal manipulated to be positioned over a conduit, wherein engagement of the flexible : 15 member with the conduit causes the arms to be reconfigured into the retracted position to cause the flexible member to be wrapped around the conduit. The articulated arms advantageously each comprise first and second elements secured together by a pivot connection. Preferably, the pivot connection comprises an over-centre connection, more preferably an over-centre spring connection, wherein the connection is adapted to permit the arms to be reconfigured upon application of a predetermined force. The force may be applied to the arms via tension created in the flexible member upon engagement with a conduit.

Preferably, the arms of the applicator are adapted to be reconfigured between the extended and folded positions sequentially. This arrangement advantageously permits a preferential wrapping of the flexible member around the conduit which may permit the securing means to be appropriately activated.

In an alternative arrangement, the arms of the applicator are adapted to be reconfigured manually by a user. For example, the arms may comprise latch means adapted to secure the arms in an extended configuration, wherein the latch means may be released by a user wheti required to reconfigure the arms into the retracted or folded position.

Preferably, the arms of the applicator may be adjustable when in the extended configuration, such that the applicator may be adapted and adjusted to accommodate different circumstances, such as conduit dimension, available manoeuvring space and the like.

The applicator may alternatively be adapted to be operated automatically, for S.. S..

* ... example by a remotely operated apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seal iS system for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit, said system comprising: an applicator; and * a seal comprising: a flexible member adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit such that end regions of the flexible member are overlapped; a sealing arrangement mounted on the flexible member and adapted to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit; and securing means mounted on and fixed to the overlapping end regions of the flexible member and adapted to secure said end regions together; wherein the applicator is adapted to apply the seal over a fluid conduit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an applicator for applying a flexible member over a conduit, said applicator comprising a plurality of arms adapted to be secured to the flexible member, wherein the arms are articulated and are adapted to be reconfigured between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the applicator is adapted to be secured to the flexible member with the arms in the extended position and engagement of the flexible member with the conduit causes the arms to be reconfigured into the retracted position to cause the flexible member to be wrapped around the conduit.

Preferably, the articulated arms each comprise first and second elements secured together by a pivot connection. Preferably, the pivot connection comprises an over-centre connection, more preferably an over-centre spring connection, wherein the connection is adapted to permit the arms to be reconfigured upon application of a * 5* ass * * predetermined force. The force may be applied to the arms via tension created in the * flexible member upon engagement with a conduit.

* 15 Preferably, the arms of the applicator are adapted to be reconfigured between a the extended and folded positions sequentially. This arrangement advantageously * a permits a preferential wrapping of the flexible member around the conduit which may permit the flexible member to be secured over the conduit in the desired manner.

In an alternative arrangement, the arms of the applicator may be adapted to be reconfigured manually by a user. For example, the arms may comprise latch means adapted to secure the arms in an extended configuration, wherein the latch means may be released by a user when required to reconfigure the arms into the retracted or folded position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sea! for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit, said seal comprising: a band adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit to define a fluid chamber between the band and fluid conduit, said fluid chamber adapted to receive tluid leaked from the conduit; and a sealing arrangement mounted on the band and adapted to provide a seal between the band and the fluid conduit.

Preferably, the band is split and comprises a first portion pivotally connected to a second portion. This arrangement permits the band to be applied over the * * conduit. I.. * **

* ** The band may be circular and adapted to be positioned over a circular conduit.

The band may be appropriately shaped to accommodate the shape of the conduit to 15 which said band is to be applied.

* Preferably, the seal comprises at least one drain adapted to permit the controlled release of leaked fluid accumulated within the fluid chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a seal for containing fluid leaking from a conduit in accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the seal of Figure 1 being applied to a conduit by a user using an applicator in accordance with an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the applicator shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the seal of Figure 1 applied to a fluid conduit with securing means; and Figures 5 to 7 are diagrammatic views of the seal of Figure 1, shown in cross-section, being applied to various forms of fluid conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings in which there is shown a diagrammatic perspective view of a seal for containing fluid leaking from a conduit, * e.

**.. wherein the seal is generally represented by reference numeral 10. The seal comprises a generally planar rectangular flexible member 12 which in the 15 embodiment shown is formed of nitrile rubber. Mounted on and fixed to opposing edges of the flexible member 12 are securing tabs 14 which each comprise contact e S securing means 16. In the embodiment shown the contact securing means comprises an adhesive strip 18 and hook-and-loop type fastener tape 20. As will be described in detail below, in use, the seal 10 is adapted to be wrapped around a conduit in the region of a leak with overlapping ends of the flexible member 12 being secured together upon contact by the contact securing means 16 to hold the seal 10 in place.

The seal 10 further comprises a pair of sealing members 22, 24 adapted to be inflated by air via respective one way valves 26, 28, wherein the sealing members 22, 24, when inflated, are adapted to provide a seal between a fluid conduit and the flexible member 12.

Each of the sealing members 22, 24 comprise a sealing surface 30, 32 formed of a compressible material, which in the embodiment shown is a neoprene foam. The compressible sealing surfaces 30, 32 permit an effective seal to be created against a fluid conduit, which may have a non-uniform or irregular surface.

The seal 10 further comprises a drain port 34 which extends through the flexible member 12 providing fluid communication from one side of the flexible member 12 to the other side. The function of the drain port will be described in further detail below.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 of the drawings in which there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a user 36 applying the seal 10 over a conduit 38 in the region of a leaking connection or flange 40 using an applicator device 42. The applicator 42 comprises four arms 44, the ends of which arms 44 are adapted to be i is.

: releasably coupled to respective corners of the seal 10. During application the seal 10 * provides a barrier or shield between the leaking conduit 38 and the user 36 thus

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* s 15 protecting the user from direct exposure to the leaking fluid. In use, the user 36 presses the seal 10 against the conduit 38 thus creating tension across the flexible 5SS * member 12. When the tension across the member 12 applies a predetermined force on the arms 44, the arms 44 are caused to fold together to wrap the seal 10 around the conduit 38. The ends of the seal 10 are caused to overlap and upon contact the sealing means 16 secure the seal 10 in place around the conduit 38 and connection 40, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 3. This arrangement therefore requires minimal interaction by the user 36, which is desired in circumstances where the leaking fluid is hazardous.

An embodiment of the applicator 42 is shown in Figure 4, reference to which is now made. As noted above, the applicator 42 comprises four arms 44, wherein each arm 44 comprises at least two elements 46, 48 secured together via a hinged connection 50. Each hinged connection 50 comprises an over-centre pivot connection 52 and a linear spring 54 extending between the elements 46, 48. Thus, as described above, when the seal 10 carried by the arms 44 is pressed against a conduit (not shown), increasing tension across the flexible member 12 will eventually overcome the spring tension of the springs 54, thus causing the outer elements 48 to pivot relative to the inner elements 46. The hinged connections 50 are arranged such that a preferential collapse or folding of the elements 48 is achieved, which advantageously permits the ends of the seal 10 to be overlapped in the required manner to ensure proper application of the securing means 16 (Figure 1).

The applicator 42 further comprises a pair of handles and arm braces adapted to be held by the user.

* Reference is now made to Figure 5 of the drawings in which there is shown a seal 10 in situ over a valve body 56 connected to a conduit 38. As shown, the sealing * 15 members 22, 24 are inflated to fully engage the sealing surfaces 30, 32 against the conduit 38 on either side of the valve body 56. The flexible member 12 I..

* accommodates the shape of the valve 56 and defines a chamber 58 around the valve 56, wherein the chamber 58 receives fluid leaked or spilled from the valve 56 and/or flange connections 60, 62, preventing the leaked fluid from uncontrollably escaping into the environment. The drain 34 is used to draw-off fluid from within the chamber 58 in a controlled manner, thus preventing a significant accumulation of fluid pressure therein. By minimising the fluid pressure within the chamber 58, the sealing requirement of the sealing members 22, 24 may be reduced.

The seal 10 of the present invention may therefore be utilised to control a leak from a conduit until a convenient time arises to carry out complete repairs.

The seal 10 may accommodate a number of shapes of conduit and flow components. For example, the seal 10 may be positioned over a 90 degree bend section 64, as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. In this case, the flexibility of member 12 permits the effective use of the seal 10 in such an application.

Additionally, as shown in Figure 7, the seal 10 may he utilised over a conduit 66 extending from a tank 68. In the arrangement shown in Figure 7, the seal 10 is positioned over a flange connection 70.

It should be understood that the embodiments described above are merely exemplary of the present invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the seal may be directly installed by a user without the use of an applicator. Additionally, the seal may be installed by a remotely controlled apparatus, thus removing the user from the :: :* area around the leaking conduit. The seal may be provided in any required shape to accommodate various forms of conduit. Additionally, the seal may be provided S..

15 without a drain, such that the seal is adapted to permanently, or temporarily stop fluids leaking from a conduit. Furthermore, the drain may be utilised to inject fluid 8 into the chamber, wherein the fluid may be adapted to be set to thus contain the leak from the conduit. The securing means may be of any suitable form. An externally provided securing means may be utilised in conjunction with the securing means, such as a clamp or the like.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A seal for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit,

said seal comprising: a flexible member adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit such that end regions of the flexible member are overlapped; a sealing arrangement mounted on the flexible member and adapted to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit; and securing means mounted on and fixed to the overlapping end regions of the flexible member and adapted to secure said end regions together.

2. The seal of claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a sheet-form member. I.. * ** I..

3. The seal of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible member is adapted to provide a * S. * 15 barrier between the fluid conduit and a user applying the seal. * SS

4. The seal of any preceding claim, wherein the securing means comprises contact securing means adapted to secure the end regions of the flexible member together upon contact.

5. The seal of any preceding claim, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises at least one sealing member.

6. The seal of claim 5, wherein the sealing member is adapted to be activated to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit.

7. The seal of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is adapted to be activated in response to a stimulant.

8. The seal of claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the sealing member comprises an inflatable member adapted to be inflated with a fluid.

9. The seal of claim 8, wherein the inflating fluid is provided from an external source.

10. The seal of claim 8 or 9, wherein the inflatable member comprises valve means adapted to be coupled to a source of inflating fluid.

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11. The seal of claim 10, wherein the valve means comprises a one way valve. a.. . 15

12. The seal of claim 10 or 11, wherein the valve means comprises pressure

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I. release means adapted to permit release of fluid from within the inflatable member when a pre-determined fluid pressure is reached.

13. The seal of any preceding claim, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises a sealing surface adapted to engage and seal against the conduit around which the flexible member is located.

14. The seal of claim 13, when dependent on any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the sealing surface is provided on the sealing member.

15. The seal of claim 13 or 14, wherein the sealing surface comprises a compressible material 16. The seal of any preceding claim, wherein the sealing arrangement comprises two sealing members adapted to be positioned on either side of the region of a leak from the fluid conduit around which the flexible member is positioned.

17. The seal of any preceding claim, adapted to define a fluid chamber around the fluid conduit, wherein the fluid chamber is adapted to receive fluid leaked from the conduit.

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:* 18. The seal of claim 17 when dependent on claim 16, wherein the fluid chamber is defined between the fluid conduit, flexible member and the sealing members of the * S. 15 sealing arrangement.

* 19. The seal of claim 17 or 18, wherein the fluid chamber comprises at least one drain adapted to permit a controlled release of the leaked fluid.

20. The seal of claim 19, wherein the at least one drain is provided through the flexible member.

21. A seal system for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit, said system comprising: an applicator; and a seal comprising: a flexible member adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit such that end regions of the flexible member are overlapped; a sealing arrangement mounted on the flexible member and adapted to provide a seal between the flexible member and the fluid conduit; and securing means mounted on and fixed to the overlapping end regions of the flexible member and adapted to secure said end regions together; wherein the applicator is adapted to apply the seal over a fluid conduit.

22. An applicator for applying a flexible member over a conduit, said applicator comprising a plurality of arms adapted to be secured to the flexible member, wherein the arms are articulated and are adapted to be reconfigured between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the applicator is adapted to be secured to the flexible member with the arms in the extended position and engagement of the flexible member with the conduit causes the arms to be reconfigured into the retracted position to cause the flexible member to be wrapped around the conduit. a

23. The applicator of claim 22, wherein the articulated arms each comprise first and second elements secured together by a pivot connection.

24. The applicator of claim 23, wherein the pivot connection comprises an over-centre connection.

25. The applicator of claim 23 or 24, wherein the pivot connection comprises an over-centre spring connection, wherein the connection is adapted to permit the arms to be reconfigured upon application of a predetermined force.

26. The applicator of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the arms of the applicator are adapted to be reconfigured between the extended and folded positions sequentially.

27. The applicator of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the arms of the applicator are adjustable when in the extended configuration.

28. A seal for containing fluid leaking from a fluid conduit, said seal comprising: "S a band adapted to be positioned over a fluid conduit to define a fluid chamber "S between the band and fluid conduit, said fluid chamber adapted to receive fluid leaked from the conduit; and a sealing arrangement mounted on the band and adapted to provide a seal between the band and the fluid conduit.

29. The seal of claim 28, wherein the band is split and comprises a first portion pivotally connected to a second portion.

30. The seal of claim 28 or 29, wherein the band is circular and adapted to be positioned over a circular conduit.

31. The seal of claim 28, 29 or 30, further comprising at least one drain adapted to permit the controlled release of leaked fluid accumulated within the fluid chamber. S. a. S.

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